well i had a 95 dodge ram with the auto locking hubs, and my front axles turned at all times no matter what.... i know i know, its a dodge, but still haha if the front axles turn at all times, that means the hubs stay locked in at all times

Not true. While I don't know the system on these trucks I do know it varies by 4X4 system. My Jeep Grand Cherokee had auto hubs where the axles were always turning and engagement was taken care of in T-case. however, my mom's 89 wrangler had an air vacuum system to lock the hubs in. Hopefully someone who knows the 4X4 system on these trucks can actually answer your question though....

from what i know the hub gets locked in once the transfer case is engaged and the torq locks it in. i'll look in my haynes tomorrow and see what it says. i've heard bad things about auto hubs because when you go from forward to reverse they actually disengage for a second then reengage. but that was a chevy that did that so don't quote me.

from what i know the hub gets locked in once the transfer case is engaged and the torq locks it in. i'll look in my haynes tomorrow and see what it says. i've heard bad things about auto hubs because when you go from forward to reverse they actually disengage for a second then reengage. but that was a chevy that did that so don't quote me.

That is exactly how these work, and presents a problem if stuck because it will break the hubs. For a quick easy example think of the pull starter on your lawn mower, same basic design. There is no vacuum, or electrical connection to lock or unlock the hubs. If you remember to reverse the direction of travel you will unlock them and then freewheel without turning the driveline.